Move over Edie....make way for Cindy!

All right, I'll be the first to admit that I'm a huge fan of Grey Gardens....but, at this point who isn't? I'll also admit that I'm generally opposed to anything that is too au courant (a thousand pardons if I didn't use that phrase correctly). Having admitted this, I shutter to divulge this morsel of scrumptious pop culture. But, as penance for having taken such a long sabbatical from posting I share with you Frank & Cindy.

It's a timeless tale of a cracked out mom, who is hilarious in a sad and endearing way, abandoning her young son to run off with some guy who was apparently in a band, OXO, that may have had one hit in the early 80's. The son, G.J. Echternkamp, grows up to be a dapper young filmmaker. He's made quite a bit of films in his 30 years, 14-ish, but Frank & Cindy is by far his most popular to date. Now, I'd like to preface my humble review by saying that I'm a relatively cynical guy. But, I couldn't help but notice a much too similar, and somewhat formulaic, approach to the direction of this documentary. It felt almost like volume three of Grey Gardens. G.J. Echternkamp's style seemed to me to mirror that of the Maysles. How does that phrase go, "if it ain't broke don't fix it".

Regardless of my opinion, I encourage everyone to watch this film. I'm sure that i'll watch it many more times, and I'll tell many people about it. It's somewhat refreshing to feel that you've discovered something at the cusp of it's mass popularity. Bravo Mr. Echternkamp!

A ridiculous amount of time has passed. ... .

I'm back. I've been an embarrassingly bad blogger. Thank you Stefan for pointing out just what a bad blogger I've been. I promise, with a capital 'P', to be a diligent blogger.

My Apartment

So, I've decided to write a bit about my apartment. It's not so much my style, as it is my style on a budget. It's ever changing, and hopefully always evolving. I find a lot of my things on www.craigslist.com, www.ebay.com, www.westelm.com, and in the trash! Also, here in DC we have some AMAZING "junk shops", as well as many many many GREAT chic boutiques. Some of my favorite shops that are not so expensive are: Miss Pixies (Adam's Morgan), Rough & Reddy (U-Street), Georgia Avenue Thrift Store (Georgia Ave.), H-Street thrift store (Capital Hill). Some of my favorite not so inexpensive shops include, but are not limited to: Gore Dean (Georgetown), Good wood (U-Street), And Beige (U-Street/Adam's Morgan), and Baker Furniture (Georgetown.

I attempt to be a minimalist, but I am a maximalist (**one who enjoys much**) at heart. L. M. van der Rohe believed that, "less is more", while others believe that more is more. Me, I believe that if you love it, you should have it.

How to Marry a Millionaire

One of the best films ever recorded, How to Marry a Millionaire is witty, relevant, stylish, and beautiful. I'm a huge fan of movies of the 30's - 60's. I get caught up in the sets, costumes, music, and language of these classic films. Millionaire is a prize example of quintessential 1950's set decoration, designed by Stuart A. Reiss and Walter M. Scott. This amazing design duo has created sets for films such as Peyton Place, An Affair to Remember, Desk Set, and All about Eve. You'll fall in love with the glamorous Sutton Place penthouse shared by Lauren Bacall, Marilyn Monroe, and Betty Grable. This movie is a must see for anyone who appreciates fine films, and luxurious sets. Netflix it tonight!

Click on "How to Marry a Millionaire" for a GREAT video of clips from the movie with Doris Day singing, "Perhaps", in the background!!!

Tony Duquette

An amazing young American designer, with a flamboyant portfolio, impressive book of clients, and intriguing history. Tony Duquette created stunningly dramatic sets and costumes for MGM studios in the 1940's. Introduced to society by Lady Elsie de Wolfe Mendl, Duquette began working on projects for icons such as Mary Pickford, Doris Duke, and David O. Selznick. "Pickfair", the home designed by Duquette for Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, is currently home to another amazing American Designer, William (Bill) Sofield.



Although Mr. Duquette passed away in 1999, his work continues to inspire us. His jewelry can be seen gracing the necks, fingers, and ears of modern starlets, and can be found in the pages of fashion magazines such as W, Vogue, Elle, and InStyle. His interiors are also seen monthly in such heavy-hitting trade publications as House Beautiful, Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, and House and Garden.



Be on the look out for furniture and accessory designs by Mr. Duquette, soon to be resurrected by the great American furniture company, Baker. www.bakerfurniture.com In the mean time get your Duquette fix by investing in his beautiful book, Tony Duquette